Biodiversity

Protected areas help preserve biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services. However, examining the current state of conservation efforts shows that much remains to be done since the Aichi Targets have not been met. This is because there are significant gaps in ecological connectivity and little data on whether protected areas are managed effectively. Today, only 7% of the world’s protected areas are both protected and connected, and nearly 25% are inadequately or poorly managed.

To overcome this challenge, the FFEM encourages the creation and long-term viability of terrestrial and marine protected areas that benefit local communities while ensuring that conservation measures do not harm those who depend on the area’s natural resources.

Biodiversity can be protected while simultaneously contributing to local, equitable and sustainable development. It can produce co-benefits for economic and social development, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and human health.

The FFEM promotes innovative approaches by local stakeholders to protect biodiversity in their territory and in specific sectors. We encourage approaches that are strongly committed to biodiversity-based sustainable development grounded in the sustainable and equitable use of natural resources while simultaneously promoting local expertise.
 

Most biodiversity loss is caused by the degradation and fragmentation of natural ecosystems. Ecological corridors and protected area networks allow species to move around and adapt to the changing climate.

Ecological restoration of degraded, damaged or destroyed ecosystems helps restore essential ecosystem functions and improves connectivity. It is also an effective way to prevent invasive species that are more likely to colonise degraded natural habitats.

The FFEM encourages approaches that promote ecological connectivity between natural protected areas and restore degraded sites that are important to connectivity.

The FFEM and PPIs summarised:

• 15 years supporting African civil society (2006 - 2021).
• Almost €20 million in subsidies, of which 60% paid directly to CSOs.
• 331 financed projects led by 262 CSOs in 32 African countries.